Description
General Summary
The Senior Manager, NPI Procurement Lead is responsible for driving end-to-end procurement strategy and execution for all New Product Introduction (NPI) initiatives. Embedded within the R&D team and reporting through External Operations (Ex Ops), this role ensures sourcing strategy, supplier capability, cost structure, and supply chain risk are proactively integrated early in the product development process.
This position secures competitive, high-quality mechanical and electrical components while balancing cost, technical requirements, and long-term supply continuity. Acting as a liaison between internal teams and external manufacturing partners, this leader drives operational readiness across prototype builds, pilot production, and full-scale ramp. The role also oversees inventory transitions for new and legacy components to support seamless product development and manufacturing.
Essential Job Functions
• Lead procurement activities for assigned NPI programs in alignment with Ex Ops, R&D, engineering, and program management.
• Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve optimal cost, quality, and delivery for mechanical and electrical components.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, and Supply Chain to support on-time, cost-effective product launches.
• Deliver procurement updates, reporting, and risk assessments to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Act as the procurement/NPI subject matter expert and support stakeholders with best practices and guidance.
• Manage purchase orders for prototype, pilot, and production builds—from quick-turn sourcing through final design release.
• Coordinate inventory transition plans for new and legacy components to ensure continuity of supply.
• Monitor USMCA compliance and evaluate tariff and country-of-origin exposure tied to costed BOMs.
• Represent the company professionally with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external partners.
• Support part quotation activities with engineering and contract manufacturing partners.
• Partner with Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) during supplier onboarding and early development stages.
• Oversee supplier readiness activities, including First Article Inspections (FAIs) and ramp-readiness reviews.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of procurement experience, including 2+ years supporting NPI or new product launches.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and project management skills.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers and/or component suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint; ERP and PLM experience preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and external suppliers.